Shauna Moses, Vice President, Public Affairs and Member Services, New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies (NJAMHAA), shares her stories as a survivor of suicide — her brother took his life in 2003 and she experienced a suicidal crisis in 2012 — in an online interview with the goal of encouraging others to open up about their struggles, seek help and choose life.

“My story starts back in 2003 . . . when I received the biggest shock, that I think will be the biggest shock in my life no matter what else happens going forward . . . that my brother took his life,” shared Moses. “He had bipolar disorder, and I want everyone to know that having bipolar disorder or any mental illness does not mean it’s a death sentence because I also have a positive story to share, which is my own.”

Moses goes on to detail her brother’s story, and her experience dealing with grief and depression. “I totally understand what my brother went through because I went through it myself . . . It’s like a tunnel around your head that does not let any light in, any positive in,” she said.

Moses highlighted that in dealing with her own suicidal crisis, she realized she needed to seek help, and checked herself in for inpatient treatment at Carrier Clinic. “Within a few days, I was transformed, and I saw others transform in front of me,” she shared.

“There are so many success stories out there,” Moses said, referring to the positive impact that mental healthcare providers have on many individuals’ lives. Click here to watch this interview.